Ben, I think you're right about the source of PL in this country. Mine came from Burling, and I reached out to her earlier this summer to ask about its origin. She said her plant came from Ludwig's daughter: "A few years ago, she came to the States and went in partnership with another rose grower in Arizona. His name was Taylor Francis. Their partnership ended and she was looking to start a nursery in Oregon. She stop by my nursery and she gave me some cuttings, and one of the roses was Purple Lodge. Whether it was the correct one or not, I really can't tell you." I've wondered whether the cutting Burling received was accidentally mislabeled, and it might have been a similar named rose, e.g., Purple Breeze (see link below), which looks very similär to the PL circulating here in the States. Whatever it is, it's a remarkably dark rose, repeats well and has never shown any sign of disease in my garden. I do wish we could get our hands on the PL rose they're growing in Europe, though! https://www.nirpinternational.com/en/garden-rose/209/PURPLEBREEZE

My water bill will be huge, but water is more important than fertilizer. I would not be so sure that the March and April freezes (after February warmth) will not affect your plants. I thought that too, but am seeing low bud count now. Things like bud count are affected by weather long before scapes begin to form. It does seem, though, that scape density is fairly good this year. Too early for firm conclusions.

Look at all of those beautiful blooms!

I think you are getting rain today, Kate as we are supposed to, but it needs to rain a lot to help. WE are also finally for the first time in about 7 months not supposed to be above regualr temps. Mantis, Sahara winds is descriptive of the way it has been. I am glad you got rain and hope for some ourselves. The drought has just gotten worse as the months passed, and it is past time for a change. The plants put up scapes regardless. kay